Ikpeme Neto, the CEO and founder of WellaHealth emerged as the 1st prize winner of $300,000 at the 2023 African Business Heroes Prize Competition. This was announced at the grand finale which happened in Kigali, Rwanda on the 24th of November, 2023
The journey started in March 2023 when the competition opened. 27,267 applications were received from entrepreneurs hailing from all 54 African countries. It was narrowed down to top 10 finalists representing 9 African countries who pitched on the final day.
Entering its fifth year, the African Business Heroes competition aims to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their local communities, working to solve the most pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.
The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3 year-track record.
The objective is to be as inclusive as possible so entrepreneurs from any African country, across diverse sectors and age groups, are encouraged to apply. The application process is available in both English and French. Eligible businesses must be formally registered and have their headquarters in an African country, with a minimum three-year track record.
The top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The first prize takes home $300,000; The 2nd and 3rd prize winners take home $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. All other 7 finalists, take home $100,000. An additional $100,000 is allocated for training.
The second and third place winners were Ayman Bazaraa, Co-founder of Sprints and Thomas Njeru, Co-founder and CEO of Pula Advisors.
Apart from the grants won, finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate. Finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both afterwards.
Who is WellaHealth?
Founded by Ikpeme Neto, WellaHealth Technologies is a Nigerian healthcare technology startup that aims to improve access to quality healthcare for Nigerians. They offer a suite of products and services, including:
- Healthcare plans: WellaHealth provides affordable healthcare plans that cover a wide range of medical services, including doctor consultations, diagnostics, and prescriptions.
- Digital health platform: WellaHealth’s digital platform allows users to manage their healthcare needs online, including booking appointments, viewing medical records, and tracking their health progress.
- Community health services: WellaHealth also operates a network of community health centers that provide basic healthcare services to underserved communities.
WellaHealth, a Nigerian health-tech startup, recently unveiled Healthsend Africa’s expansion into Kenya, following the subsidiary’s successful launch in Nigeria four months ago.
